Newly released photos show Shavuot in the 30s, 40s

(JNS) - The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund released a new collection of rare archival photos that capture Shavuot celebrations predating the modern State of Israel during the 1930s and 1940s.

The photographs "are far more than historical documentation - they tell the story of the renewal of the Jewish people in their land," said Ifat Ovadia-Luski, chairwoman of KKL-JNF. "These are powerful moments of pride and joy that illustrate how an ancient custom was revived and brought to life in the homeland."

"This continuity of the Zionist enterprise, from the early days of Zionism to the present, lies at the heart of our identity as a people."

Depictions include children in festive attire, Jews carrying fruit baskets (also known as bikkurim) and other forms of celebration.

"These newly released photographs capture not only the joyful spirit of the holiday, but also the pioneering values that helped shape Jewish life during that formative period," KKL-JNF said in a statement.